attempting to exploit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting to exploit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort to take advantage of a situation or resource, often with a negative connotation. Example: "The hacker was attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in the software to gain unauthorized access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Well, they both came unstuck while attempting to exploit that delicious Scottish comestible, porridge.

Independent

Ongoing clinical trials are attempting to exploit specific biological dependencies of HCC to improve the dismal prognosis.

The American Journal of Pathology

But the intelligence reports triggered alarms that Chinese officials were attempting to exploit Kushner's close relationship with the President, which could yield benefits over time.

The New Yorker

Most recently, he was accused by rightwingers of attempting to exploit Trump's inexperience after a diplomatic memo he sent to No 10 following Trump's victory was leaked.

The Guardian

As the civil rights movement grew, so did criticism of white people attempting to exploit the images and experiences of people of colour for social and financial gain.

The Guardian - Books

LM, they said, was attempting to exploit its own position to get away with saying things that other, more established publications could not.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Defensively, Bryant will be attacked by the Pacers, who will attempt to exploit his limited mobility.

The New York Times - Sports

On Monday, Chinese officials attempted to exploit divergences in the approaches of Washington and Tokyo.

The Guardian

Davis has attempted to exploit the view she is Parke's more natural successor.

The Guardian

Singer and his clients allegedly attempted to exploit the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The Washington Post

Some previous network-based botnet detection efforts have attempted to exploit this ongoing C&C behavior or its side effects.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempting to exploit", consider the ethical implications. Ensure your writing clearly conveys whether the exploitation is justified or not.

Common error

Be aware that "attempting to exploit" often carries a negative connotation. Use it carefully to avoid unintended accusations of unethical behavior. If the action is justified, provide context to clarify the intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempting to exploit" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, often acting as part of a larger verb construction to describe an ongoing action. It indicates an effort to take advantage of something, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempting to exploit" is a versatile gerund phrase that describes the action of trying to take advantage of something, whether it be a situation, resource, or vulnerability. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable, though often carrying a negative connotation. Its frequency is "very common", appearing primarily in news and media sources, as well as scientific publications. When using this phrase, it is crucial to consider the ethical implications and ensure that the context clearly conveys whether the exploitation is justified, per the guidance given. Alternatives such as "seeking to capitalize on" or "trying to leverage" may provide a more nuanced or neutral tone depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking to capitalize on

Focuses on turning something into an advantage or profit.

striving to take advantage of

Focuses on seizing an opportunity, often with a slightly opportunistic undertone.

trying to leverage

Emphasizes using something to achieve a desired outcome.

planning to make the most of

Emphasizes careful planning and intention to use something effectively.

aiming to harness

Suggests controlling and utilizing a resource or energy.

looking to benefit from

Highlights the expectation of gaining something positive.

working to maximize

Highlights the effort to increase or amplify something.

maneuvering to profit from

Implies strategic action to gain financial advantage.

maneuvering to gain from

Implies tactical moves to derive some benefit.

endeavoring to manipulate

Implies skillful handling or control, sometimes with a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "attempting to exploit" in a sentence?

You can use "attempting to exploit" to describe someone trying to take advantage of a situation or vulnerability, such as, "The company was attempting to exploit a loophole in the tax law."

What are some alternatives to "attempting to exploit"?

Alternatives include "seeking to capitalize on", "trying to leverage", or "aiming to harness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "attempting to exploit" always negative?

While often negative, the connotation depends on the context. It can be neutral if describing a strategic effort without inherently harmful intent. However, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation.

What's the difference between "attempting to exploit" and "attempting to utilize"?

"Attempting to exploit" suggests taking opportunistic advantage, potentially unethically. "Attempting to utilize"/s/attempting+to+utilise is more neutral, simply meaning trying to use something effectively without negative implications.